Which general health insurance model is right for me?

It's worth comparing general health insurance models

Do you need to see a doctor regularly or are you hardly ever ill? Is it important to go to a family doctor you know and trust or are you happy to get initial medical advice over the phone? Each of us has different needs when it comes to health-related advice and visits to the doctor. And the range of insurance models offered by CSS is just as wide and varied.

Save on health insurance: It's worth comparing the various models provided by your general health insurer – after all, you could save up to 15% on premiums.

The family doctor model is a version of mandatory basic insurance. Under the family doctor model, your own doctor is always your first point of contact: they are familiar with your medical history and can provide the best possible treatment. If you need to see a specialist, your family doctor will refer you directly. And even in an emergency, your family doctor or their locum should always be the first person you contact.

At CSS, the well-known HMO model goes by the name of Health Maintenance Organisation and is another version of mandatory basic insurance. Under the HMO model, a doctor from the medical network or group practice is always your first point of contact. They will refer you directly to a specialist, therapist or hospital if necessary.

With Multimed, you pay CHF 300 less as a retention fee. The Multimed model of mandatory basic insurance is the ideal version if you have high medical bills. Depending on your needs, you can either call your family doctor or the telemedicine centre – both are familiar with your medical history. Your treatment is digitally coordinated. Under the Multimed model, you'll be referred directly to a specialist if further investigations are needed.

The Telmed model lets you decide which is right for you at any given moment. Call the telemedicine centre for initial advice or use the Well app. The Symptom Checker in the Well app will guide you, question by question, to a recommendation. If necessary, you'll be referred to your chosen doctor. In an emergency you can go straight to the doctor. You should then inform the telemedicine centre within 10 days.

The standard model is the version of basic insurance that offers a free choice of doctor, but without any further discounts. If you prefer to decide for yourself which doctor or specialist you would like to see, then the standard model is right for you.